Armchair Pundits

A Great Thing About America

Okay. After my previous post regarding Star Wars Episode III Revenge Of The Sith, it is clear that I'm offically a Star Wars geek. That being said, as has been the case with every movie in the Star Wars Franchise (with the exception of Episode I), my brother & I go opening weekend. In this case, brother & brother in-law Grisby went to see the film opening night. What a scene! The parking lot contained quite the motely crew. As we pulled in, two fans were having a lightsaber duel, which was being proctored by Spiderman. Morpheus also happened to be there, and stood in line in front of me. But here is the really cool part.................

We patroned the Woodbury 10 theater for our screening and it is the experience this theater offers that is the subject of my post title. Clearly there are many great things about America, but one such thing is the enterprising opportunity of the small business. It is truly what makes capitalism work.

As of late, corporate America is much maligned and balley-hooed, and in many cases rightly so. In spite of this, it is the small business owner that turns the crank of the economy, creating new jobs, ingenious products, better delivery systems and thus better buying experiences for the consumer.

So......the Woodbury 10 is owned by a gentleman named Nathan, a.k.a, The Plaza Guy. This sharp minded entrepreneur knows how to make a movie going experience. Ticket prices? Affordable. Concession prices? Best value for the dollar in town-hands down. But does it stop there? No. As one might imagine, this film has been highly anticipated, and the excitement in the crowd was electric. A few minutes before curtain, the owner comes into the theater and quiets the restless crowd. The air was thick with anticipation, and Mr. Plaza Guy starts by asking the obvious question like are you excited or something like that. Crowd goes nuts. Next he starts asking trivia questions. As fans answered these questions correctly, they were rewarded by the owner with Star Wars memorabilia, namely toys. The already electric crowd goes virtually apoplectic. Someone lets out a wookie cry and another toy is given. The grand prize was a vintage Tie Fighter. Everyone in the theater is having a rollicking good time and so the lights go down and the show starts. This is how I want to start a movie like this.

My point? This was a great gesture that made this movie going experience even better. If you want to go to the mega-chains--that's your perogative. But if you want a real value, a great experience and the satisfaction of supporting a local small businessman, this is your place.

For Armchairpundits consumer reports.........this is Grisby signing off.

posted by Grisby @ 3:39 PM